From Orangutan: Photos of Montreal lawyers marching against Law 78,

On Monday evening in Montreal, hundreds of lawyers donned their professional black robes and took to the streets on a silent march to protest Law 78 (also known as the “loi spéciale”), the legislation that the Jean Charest government recently passed in an attempt to put a stop to the Quebec student movement towards accessible post-secondary education. The Quebec Bar has expressed serious concerns over Law 78 for, among other things, its limitations imposed on student associations, its judicialization of debates, its use of the criminal justice system, and its granting of increased powers to the Minister of Education, Michelle Courchesne, who in effect, is able to amend laws in Quebec without consulting the people, members of the National Assembly, or even colleagues. Here are some of my photos of the march, which began at 6:30 p.m. at the Palais de justice (courthouse) and made its way through Old Montreal, Chinatown, the Quartier des spectacles (entertainment quarter), and finally to Place Emilie-Gamelin, the usual starting point of the nightly student movement demonstrations that begin at 8:30 p.m.

Palais de justice de Montréal

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From Orangutan: Dear travelers to Montreal,

As the nightly demonstrations that snake their way through the city continue, often picking up thousands along the way and cheered on by onlookers from balconies, windows, and outdoor patios, I hope you understand that these marches are peaceful, joyous, and filled with the same festive spirit that is unique to Montreal and unparalleled in North America. I hope that you can look beyond the countless negative stories produced by mainstream media outlets that mischaracterize this city as, among other things, violent and dangerous. Montreal is neither violent nor dangerous. I hope that you can see clearly through the if-it-doesn’t-bleed-it-doesn’t-lead journalistic strategy and discover that the rare abandon of the aggressive few is minute compared to the extraordinary coming together of the gentle masses. People of varying ages and from diverse backgrounds coalesce at these nocturnal happenings. Some bang utensils, pots, and pans (a nod to the practice of our Chilean counterparts undergoing a similar period of change), and all are armed—no, not with weapons—but with the determination to make the world a better place. If you choose to march with us (and we welcome you with open hearts), it will quickly occur to you that all these well-meaning human beings wouldn’t be out on the streets of our enchanting neighborhoods if they didn’t already take for granted that Montreal is a safe and friendly town for citizens and travelers alike, no matter where you decide to go and even after the sun sets. This is Montreal. Come and see for yourself. You’ll be witnessing an historic moment in the process.

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